Squats and dead lifts work.
On Monday my brother and I hiked the Guadalupe Mountains for the fourth time. The area we hiked was remote, rugged, and no other people were around.
My total load out probably weighed around 20-25 pounds.
The hike we chose was tough, and was one heck of a leg workout. I credit the amount of heavy and/or hi rep squats and dead lfits I have been doing with making it easier.
It was not easy, but I preformed better than I ever have, and on the hardest long duration incline I have climbed.
This was the most obvious thing I have done that showed me lifting heavy weight can make a difference.
Of course my body is still feeling the hike, so no squats or deads until next week.